This is a
series dedicated to the efforts made by the women that have inspired me,
followed by the outcomes of their actions.
I would like
to kick off this series by introducing my readers to a network of women who
have made one of the biggest contributions towards my life and my character,
and all in less than a year.
In July
2018, four of my closest friends and I, whom I have known for several years,
spent a week in Marbella with five other girls, some of which I had never met
before or had only spent a limited time with. Initially I had never expected to
have the bond with them that I do now.
What may be
seen as unique in our situation is that for some of us, we didn’t know each
other at all before spending a week abroad together. We’re all also at very
different points in our lives. In this group of ten women we range from the
ages of 19 to mid-twenties, something that seems at first unlikely but is
incredibly invaluable. Whilst some of us are studying at university, others
have entered the working world, and because of this they have become extremely
inspirational role models for myself in all aspects of my life.
Now, almost
a year later, this group of women are amongst some of the people I am closest
with. My confidence around them and around others in my life has improved
largely, a reflection that is also visible in them. Our strength lies in the
fact that we are not afraid to be completely transparent and vulnerable with
each other.
Society, especially that of the youth, have become so insistent in maintaining
an emotionless front, in order to remain secretive towards the outside world. A
group of close, lifelong friends offer relief from this social norm that has
seemingly developed. They are able to provide security and comfort in knowing
that there is unconditional love and acceptance from a group of women that give
the ‘no judgement’ advice, whether that be about a career move, relationship
advice, or even what to wear to our next event. Whilst there may be topics that
are evaded around family in order to avoid offending them a group like this
creates an environment in which every topic can be approached.
The
relationship between our habits of relying on social media to check up on
friends, and societies’ increasing sense of alienation only makes these
real-life friendships and interactions all the more important to maintain. Though
we are now scattered across the UK, our group has never felt closer. It is
obvious that this physical distance between us has made us appreciate the way
we empower each other even more than we did before. We’ve continued to make the
effort to see each other as much as we can, and our connection has only
benefited.
Not every
woman needs a ‘girl squad’ like this. Whilst it’s a nice idea to think of every
woman across the world having that significant group in their lives to laugh
with, cry with and, of course, holiday with – not every woman necessarily wants
that. What matters isn’t how many women make up your network, it’s that you
find the women and environment in which you feel the most comfortable.
What matters
is that you find the women that empower you.
Thank you for reading!
Aman